The Science of Psychotherapy Academy

Goal-Driven Nature of SST: SST is inherently goal-driven, and therapists should focus on shifting conversations from problem-talk to discussions about the client’s desired future.

Three Essential Questions: The article highlights three central questions inspired by Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) that guide goal-construction: What are your best hopes from our work together? How will your life be different if these hopes are realized? What are you already doing or have done that might help bring these hopes to fruition?

Characteristics of Well-Formed Goals: Goals should be small, salient, specific, achievable, involve the client’s effort, start something new, and focus on new behaviors rather than the cessation of old ones.

Therapeutic Power of Goal Conversations: The process of revising and refining goals during therapy can lead to dramatic changes, often within a single session. The therapist's role is to help the client reimagine their preferred future by asking questions that make the target easier to achieve.

Avoiding Therapist Imposition: It’s crucial for the therapist to ensure that the goals are meaningful to the client and within their control. This involves avoiding imposing the therapist’s values and instead focusing on what the client finds meaningful.

Challenging Assumptions: The therapist should help clients challenge assumptions that changes outside their control must happen before they can achieve their goals. The goal is to empower clients to focus on actions and changes within their control.

Outcomes of Effective Goal Conversations: By the end of a goal-constructing conversation, clients often feel more hopeful and confident, and may begin to notice that positive changes are already happening.